Matched Pair of 3rd Gen. Colt Single Action Army .44-40 Revolvers, 1997

More Sold Colts

SOLD FOR: $3,400.00

LSB#: LSB260124JG009 & LSB260124JG010

Make: Colt

Model: Single Action Army, matched pair

Serial Numbers: S18133A, S18172A

Year of Manufacture: 1997 / Modern

Caliber: .44-40 W.C.F.

Action Type: Both revolvers are 6-Shot Single Action Revolvers with Side Loading Gates and fluted cylinders.

Markings:

The top of the barrels are marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked in “”COLT SINGLE ACTION ARMY .44-40”. The left side of the frame is marked “PAT. SEPT. 19, 1871 / “” JULY 2. 72 / “” JAN 19. 75” with the Rampant Colt logo next to the lettering. The underside of the frames and the left side of the grip frame and backstrap are marked with the serial numbers “S18133A” and “S18172A” respectively. The face of the cylinders are marked with a partial serial number “133” and “172” respectively, with .44-40 on the rear. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a Colt Verified Proof “VP” mark in a triangle.

Barrel Lengths: 5.5″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a quarter round blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece aftermarket Eagle stag horn grips that have replaced the original grips. The Eagle grips have been professionally fitted to each gun. The stocks show minimal signs of handling and storage wear but have a great deal of “stag” character. The grips rate in about Very Good condition. The guns also come with the original factory American Eagle Colt hard rubber grips with molded Rampant Colt’s at the top and the molded American Eagle at the bottom. These grips have very limited wear and are numbered separately to each gun’s serial number. There is also a set of ebony wood grips included that have more dings and scratches and signs of use.

Type of Finish: Both revolvers are finished in factory Nickel.

Finish Originality: Original.

Bore Condition: Both bores are mirror bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion or fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 9.75/10.

Overall Condition: These revolvers retain about 97% of their metal finish. The only finish wear is on the face of the cylinders and Thinning is present on mostly on one side of the cylinders, triggers, trigger guards and appears to be from storage and old oil residue that has solidified. Neither revolver shows a turn line through the finish. The balance shows very minimal wear both handling and storage. There are no carbon rings on the face of the cylinder and only minor smudge marks from storage can be seen. The screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, both of these revolvers rate in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The actions function correctly. Each gun has had action work performed for competition Cowboy Action Shooting and cycles very smoothly. Unfortunately, serial number S18172A has a mechanical issue that the cylinder does not lock up at full or half cock. This may lead to overrotation and should be looked at by a competent gunsmith. We did not fire these revolvers. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Each revolver comes with a set of the original Colt factory grips, numbered to each gun. The guns also include a set of ebony grips for each gun as well as Ten .44-40 snap caps and a non-factory plastic case.

Our Assessment: This matched pair of Colt Single Action Army revolvers represents an ???????? example of Colt’s enduring legacy, with both revolvers manufactured in 1997 during the 3rd Generation production era. Chambered in the classic .44-40 W.C.F., these revolvers embody the timeless design of the Colt Single Action Army—often referred to as the “Peacemaker.” With matching 5.5” barrels and factory nickel finishes, the pair offers both visual appeal and historical significance. The inclusion of multiple grip sets—including fitted Eagle stag, original Colt hard rubber grips serialized to each revolver, and additional ebony grips—adds versatility and collector interest.

Condition is overall Fine, with both revolvers retaining approximately 97% of their original nickel finish. Wear is limited primarily to slight thinning on contact ???? such as the cylinders, triggers, and trigger guards, likely from long-term storage. The bores are mirror bright with sharp rifling, rating 9.75/10. Mechanically, both revolvers have benefited from action work for Cowboy Action Shooting and exhibit very smooth cycling. However, one revolver (serial number S18172A) has a noted mechanical issue where the cylinder does not properly lock at full or half cock, which may result in over-rotation and should be evaluated by a qualified gunsmith.

Overall, this is a desirable matched pair that combines strong condition, multiple accessories, and smooth action work, though with one revolver requiring attention. Included accessories consist of the original Colt factory grips (serialized to each revolver), additional ebony grip sets, ten .44-40 snap caps, and a non-factory plastic case. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!